Ways to Save on Halloween

Introduction

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, with costumes, decorations, and treats for all ages. However, it can also be expensive, as costs for candy, decorations, and party supplies add up quickly. If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween without overspending, here are some creative ways to keep the festivities fun and affordable.

1. DIY Costumes and Makeup

Skip the Costume Store: Halloween costumes can be pricey, but creating your own costumes can be fun and inexpensive.
Repurpose Items from Home: Use items you already own to create a costume. For example, a black outfit and a little makeup can turn you into a cat or a vampire.
Borrow or Swap with Friends: Trade costumes with friends or family members to give everyone a fresh look without buying new costumes.
DIY Makeup: Instead of buying costume makeup, use basic makeup items you already have, like eyeliner for whiskers, lipstick for “blood,” or eyeshadow for spooky shading.

2. Shop Discount Stores for Decorations

Dollar Stores and Thrift Shops: These stores often carry Halloween decorations and supplies at a fraction of the cost of larger retailers.
Buy Decor That Can Be Reused: Stick to classic decor items that won’t go out of style, so you can reuse them year after year. Items like fake spider webs, string lights, and plastic pumpkins are always in style.
DIY Decorations: Make your own decorations using items like construction paper, old sheets, or cardboard boxes. Crafting decorations can also be a fun family activity.

3. Use Natural Decor

Pumpkins and Gourds: Pumpkins are both festive and functional. After Halloween, you can use them for cooking or compost them.
Leaves and Twigs: Fall leaves, twigs, and pinecones can create a spooky and natural Halloween vibe. Place them in jars, wreaths, or around your entryway for a rustic, autumn look.
Hay Bales and Cornstalks: These can often be found at local farms or markets and make for great, reusable decor for the whole fall season.

4. Plan Ahead and Buy Off-Season

Shop Sales After Halloween: Purchase costumes, decor, and other Halloween essentials in early November when stores discount unsold inventory.
Create a Halloween Box: Store everything you buy off-season in one place, so you’ll be ready for next Halloween without having to rebuy items.

5. Set a Candy Budget

Limit Candy Choices: Choose one or two types of candy that are popular and available in bulk to save money.
Buy in Bulk: Warehouse stores or bulk candy stores often sell Halloween candy at a much lower cost per piece.
Stick to Generic Brands: Generic candies are often just as tasty but can cost a lot less than brand-name options.
Offer Alternatives: Small toys or trinkets, such as glow sticks, erasers, or stickers, can be affordable alternatives to candy and often last longer.

6. Host a Halloween Potluck

Share the Food Costs: If you’re hosting a Halloween party, make it a potluck to cut down on food expenses. Ask guests to bring a dish to share in the Halloween spirit.
Prepare Simple Snacks: Make spooky-themed but affordable snacks, like popcorn, finger-shaped sandwiches, or cupcakes decorated as monsters.
DIY Beverage Station: Offer affordable drinks with a spooky twist. For example, serve “witch’s brew” punch or use food coloring to make water look like a “potion.”

7. Use Printable Decorations

Download Free Printables: Many websites offer free Halloween printables that you can use for party invites, banners, wall art, or table decorations.
Customize for Extra Fun: Add some personalization to printables for a unique touch, such as family photos in “haunted” frames or your family name on a “spooky” sign.

8. Get Creative with Lighting

Use String Lights: Orange or purple string lights can add a spooky glow and are often reusable for other holidays.
DIY Lanterns: Use empty jars to make lanterns with fake candles inside. Paint or tape spooky designs onto the jars to create ghostly faces.
Battery-Powered Candles: Safe and long-lasting, these candles give an eerie vibe without the cost of real candles.

9. Thrift or Reuse Trick-or-Treat Bags

Avoid Expensive Trick-or-Treat Bags: Instead of buying new bags, use pillowcases, cloth tote bags, or even decorated grocery bags.
Thrift Store Options: Thrift stores often have cheap Halloween bags that can be reused year after year.
Decorate Your Own: If you have plain bags at home, let the kids decorate them with markers or Halloween stickers.

10. Skip the Haunted House – DIY Your Own

Set Up a Spooky Walkway: Turn your front yard into a spooky haunted path with cobwebs, tombstones, and fake spiders.
Use Sound Effects: Free apps or websites often offer spooky sound effects like creaking doors or ghostly moans to add to the eerie ambiance.
Make a Haunted Corner Indoors: Create a small haunted room with hanging sheets, dim lighting, and simple props like a skeleton or ghost cutouts.

11. Make Use of Halloween Apps

Find Deals with Coupon Apps: Apps like Ibotta or Rakuten often offer cash-back deals for Halloween purchases.
Use Social Media for Discounts: Many stores post Halloween deals and promotions on social media, so follow your favorite retailers for updates.

12. Host a Movie Marathon Instead of a Party

Save on Decorations and Food: A Halloween movie marathon with popcorn and simple snacks can be just as fun as a full-blown party without the added cost.
Free or Low-Cost Streaming Options: Many streaming services have a selection of Halloween classics, so check your subscriptions before renting or buying movies.

13. Recycle or Reuse Old Halloween Items

Upcycle Old Costumes: Use parts of old costumes to create something new, such as turning an old superhero cape into a vampire or witch’s cape.
Repurpose Decorations: Add a new twist to old decorations to keep them interesting. For instance, give plastic pumpkins a fresh coat of paint or make garlands from cut-out paper bats.
Sell or Trade Last Year’s Items: Consider selling last year’s costumes or decorations online or at a garage sale, and use the money to buy this year’s supplies.

Conclusion

Halloween doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday to be fun and festive. With a little creativity and planning, you can celebrate in style without going over budget. From DIY costumes to affordable decor and thrifty treats, these tips will help you enjoy a Halloween that’s both spooky and budget-friendly.